Accessibility Statement Skip Navigation
  • Why PRWeb
  • How It Works
  • Who Uses It
  • Pricing
  • Login
  • GDPR
  • Create a Free Account
Return to PRWeb homepage
  • News
  • Resources
  • Contact
When typing in this field, a list of search results will appear and be automatically updated as you type.

Searching for your content...

No results found. Please change your search terms and try again.
  • News in Focus
      • Browse News Releases

      • All News Releases
      • Multimedia Gallery

      • All Multimedia
      • All Photos
      • All Videos
  • Business & Money
      • Auto & Transportation

      • Aerospace, Defense
      • Air Freight
      • Airlines & Aviation
      • Automotive
      • Maritime & Shipbuilding
      • Railroads and Intermodal Transportation
      • Supply Chain/Logistics
      • Transportation, Trucking & Railroad
      • Travel
      • Trucking and Road Transportation
      • View All Auto & Transportation

      • Business Technology

      • Blockchain
      • Broadcast Tech
      • Computer & Electronics
      • Computer Hardware
      • Computer Software
      • Data Analytics
      • Electronic Commerce
      • Electronic Components
      • Electronic Design Automation
      • Financial Technology
      • High Tech Security
      • Internet Technology
      • Nanotechnology
      • Networks
      • Peripherals
      • Semiconductors
      • View All Business Technology

      • Entertain­ment & Media

      • Advertising
      • Art
      • Books
      • Entertainment
      • Film and Motion Picture
      • Magazines
      • Music
      • Publishing & Information Services
      • Radio & Podcast
      • Television
      • View All Entertain­ment & Media

      • Financial Services & Investing

      • Accounting News & Issues
      • Acquisitions, Mergers and Takeovers
      • Banking & Financial Services
      • Bankruptcy
      • Bond & Stock Ratings
      • Conference Call Announcements
      • Contracts
      • Cryptocurrency
      • Dividends
      • Earnings
      • Earnings Forecasts & Projections
      • Financing Agreements
      • Insurance
      • Investments Opinions
      • Joint Ventures
      • Mutual Funds
      • Private Placement
      • Real Estate
      • Restructuring & Recapitalization
      • Sales Reports
      • Shareholder Activism
      • Shareholder Meetings
      • Stock Offering
      • Stock Split
      • Venture Capital
      • View All Financial Services & Investing

      • General Business

      • Awards
      • Commercial Real Estate
      • Corporate Expansion
      • Earnings
      • Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
      • Human Resource & Workforce Management
      • Licensing
      • New Products & Services
      • Obituaries
      • Outsourcing Businesses
      • Overseas Real Estate (non-US)
      • Personnel Announcements
      • Real Estate Transactions
      • Residential Real Estate
      • Small Business Services
      • Socially Responsible Investing
      • Surveys, Polls and Research
      • Trade Show News
      • View All General Business

  • Science & Tech
      • Consumer Technology

      • Artificial Intelligence
      • Blockchain
      • Cloud Computing/Internet of Things
      • Computer Electronics
      • Computer Hardware
      • Computer Software
      • Consumer Electronics
      • Cryptocurrency
      • Data Analytics
      • Electronic Commerce
      • Electronic Gaming
      • Financial Technology
      • Mobile Entertainment
      • Multimedia & Internet
      • Peripherals
      • Social Media
      • STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math)
      • Supply Chain/Logistics
      • Wireless Communications
      • View All Consumer Technology

      • Energy & Natural Resources

      • Alternative Energies
      • Chemical
      • Electrical Utilities
      • Gas
      • General Manufacturing
      • Mining
      • Mining & Metals
      • Oil & Energy
      • Oil and Gas Discoveries
      • Utilities
      • Water Utilities
      • View All Energy & Natural Resources

      • Environ­ment

      • Conservation & Recycling
      • Environmental Issues
      • Environmental Policy
      • Environmental Products & Services
      • Green Technology
      • Natural Disasters
      • View All Environ­ment

      • Heavy Industry & Manufacturing

      • Aerospace & Defense
      • Agriculture
      • Chemical
      • Construction & Building
      • General Manufacturing
      • HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning)
      • Machinery
      • Machine Tools, Metalworking and Metallurgy
      • Mining
      • Mining & Metals
      • Paper, Forest Products & Containers
      • Precious Metals
      • Textiles
      • Tobacco
      • View All Heavy Industry & Manufacturing

      • Telecomm­unications

      • Carriers and Services
      • Mobile Entertainment
      • Networks
      • Peripherals
      • Telecommunications Equipment
      • Telecommunications Industry
      • VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
      • Wireless Communications
      • View All Telecomm­unications

  • Lifestyle & Health
      • Consumer Products & Retail

      • Animals & Pets
      • Beers, Wines and Spirits
      • Beverages
      • Bridal Services
      • Cannabis
      • Cosmetics and Personal Care
      • Fashion
      • Food & Beverages
      • Furniture and Furnishings
      • Home Improvement
      • Household, Consumer & Cosmetics
      • Household Products
      • Jewelry
      • Non-Alcoholic Beverages
      • Office Products
      • Organic Food
      • Product Recalls
      • Restaurants
      • Retail
      • Supermarkets
      • Toys
      • View All Consumer Products & Retail

      • Entertain­ment & Media

      • Advertising
      • Art
      • Books
      • Entertainment
      • Film and Motion Picture
      • Magazines
      • Music
      • Publishing & Information Services
      • Radio & Podcast
      • Television
      • View All Entertain­ment & Media

      • Health

      • Biometrics
      • Biotechnology
      • Clinical Trials & Medical Discoveries
      • Dentistry
      • FDA Approval
      • Fitness/Wellness
      • Health Care & Hospitals
      • Health Insurance
      • Infection Control
      • International Medical Approval
      • Medical Equipment
      • Medical Pharmaceuticals
      • Mental Health
      • Pharmaceuticals
      • Supplementary Medicine
      • View All Health

      • Sports

      • General Sports
      • Outdoors, Camping & Hiking
      • Sporting Events
      • Sports Equipment & Accessories
      • View All Sports

      • Travel

      • Amusement Parks and Tourist Attractions
      • Gambling & Casinos
      • Hotels and Resorts
      • Leisure & Tourism
      • Outdoors, Camping & Hiking
      • Passenger Aviation
      • Travel Industry
      • View All Travel

  • Policy & Public Interest
      • Policy & Public Interest

      • Advocacy Group Opinion
      • Animal Welfare
      • Congressional & Presidential Campaigns
      • Corporate Social Responsibility
      • Domestic Policy
      • Economic News, Trends, Analysis
      • Education
      • Environmental
      • European Government
      • FDA Approval
      • Federal and State Legislation
      • Federal Executive Branch & Agency
      • Foreign Policy & International Affairs
      • Homeland Security
      • Labor & Union
      • Legal Issues
      • Natural Disasters
      • Not For Profit
      • Patent Law
      • Public Safety
      • Trade Policy
      • U.S. State Policy
      • View All Policy & Public Interest

  • People & Culture
      • People & Culture

      • Aboriginal, First Nations & Native American
      • African American
      • Asian American
      • Children
      • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
      • Hispanic
      • Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual
      • Men's Interest
      • People with Disabilities
      • Religion
      • Senior Citizens
      • Veterans
      • Women
      • View All People & Culture

  • Hamburger menu
  • Cision PRWeb provides efficient communication tools to continuously engage with target audiences across multiple online channels
  • Create a Free Account
    • ALL CONTACT INFO
    • Contact Us


      11AM ET Sunday – 8PM ET Friday

  • Send a Release
  • Sign up
  • Log in
  • Resources
  • RSS
  • GDPR
  • News in Focus
    • Browse All News
    • Multimedia Gallery
  • Business & Money
    • Auto & Transportation
    • Business Technology
    • Entertain­ment & Media
    • Financial Services & Investing
    • General Business
  • Science & Tech
    • Consumer Technology
    • Energy & Natural Resources
    • Environ­ment
    • Heavy Industry & Manufacturing
    • Telecomm­unications
  • Lifestyle & Health
    • Consumer Products & Retail
    • Entertain­ment & Media
    • Health
    • Sports
    • Travel
  • Policy & Public Interest
  • People & Culture
    • People & Culture
  • Send a Release
  • Sign up
  • Log in
  • Resources
  • RSS
  • GDPR
  • Send a Release
  • Sign up
  • Log in
  • Resources
  • RSS
  • GDPR
  • Send a Release
  • Sign up
  • Log in
  • Resources
  • RSS
  • GDPR

San Jose Woman Turns Life Around After Weight-Loss Surgery
  • USA - English


News provided by

Advanced Surgical Associates

Sep 03, 2013, 08:00 ET

Share this article

Share toX

Share this article

Share toX

Michelle Maes, Weight Loss Patient of Advanced Surgical Associates
Michelle Maes, Weight Loss Patient of Advanced Surgical Associates

San Jose, CA (PRWEB) September 03, 2013 -- Dr. Thomas J. Hirai of Advanced Surgical Associates announced today that patient, Michelle Maes, is no longer a victim of the obesity epidemic plaguing this country, because of the latest advancements in bariatric surgery. — especially for those who have not experienced long-term weight loss success through other means. Weight loss can be achieved through various procedures or a combination of them.

When I first met Michelle, not only she had physical pain, but emotionally she was hurting.

Post this

Prior to making a decision on choosing to get weight-loss surgery, Michelle reached an all time high of 317 lbs. For Michelle’s height and weight, her BMI was 48. Anyone with a BMI above 40 is considered morbidly obese. The conditions that may arise from this level are hypertension, increased risks for stroke and cardiac arrest, severe acid reflux, to name a few.

When Michelle had her first grandchild in her late thirties, she decided to make a change for the better and for the future of her children and grandchildren. Today, she has 3 children of her own, 4 grandchildren and 6 stepchildren. Michelle wanted to enjoy her life with her family and couldn’t find the energy to keep up. She recalled eating fast food 4 days out of the week, and her family did the same. After “yo-yo” dieting, cutting out sugary drinks and fast food, even exercising often, she was only able to lose 30 lbs., after which she gained it back. Furthermore, she was unable to wean off multiple medications her doctor had prescribed.

After consulting with her family doctor, she chose Dr. Thomas J. Hirai of Advanced Surgical Associates in San Jose, to be her surgeon for weight-loss surgery.

“When I first met Michelle, not only she had physical pain, but emotionally she was hurting,” Dr. Hirai recalled.

There are several options for bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass, LAP-BAND® and sleeve gastrectomy. “I went over the options with Michelle and her husband, the pros and cons, and we decided together that laparoscopic gastric sleeve was going to be the best option for her for optimal results,” Dr. Hirai said.

During the sleeve gastrectomy, the surgeon creates a small, tubular shaped stomach. This procedure is recommended for individuals with BMI over 40, or 35 and above if they also have obesity related comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea. Dr. Thomas Hirai also specializes in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. This means that the painful recovery that usually follows is decreased with the minimally invasive approach, and the patient is left with tiny scars.

Michelle had her surgery on June 3rd, 2013. As of this report, she has already lost 67 lbs., bringing her down to 250 lbs. She is still losing weight every day.

“I can’t be happier with the decision I made. This wasn’t just about me; it was about my family, and their happiness. They didn’t want to see me suffer any longer,” said Michelle.

Many patients like Michelle under the care of Dr. Hirai, have experienced tremendous positive results, such as improved energy and stamina, lowered heart disease and many other health risks and improved outlook of their future.

Today, Michelle is busy with her new lifestyle. She’s joined two local support groups for women, and you can usually find her at the park with her grandchildren enjoying the activities she couldn’t before.

“My outlook on life couldn’t be better. I’m at a very happy place in my life and couldn’t ask for a better support team or a better doctor like Dr. Hirai. This is just the beginning and I hope by sharing my story with others, it’ll will inspire women out there like me to make a decision to be in their future,” said Michelle.

Dr. Thomas Hirai now takes the charge of bariatric surgery division of Advanced Surgical Associates, with this goal in mind: “To provide compassionate, individualized care and guide each patient on the road to optimal health.”

About Advanced Surgical Associates

Advanced Surgical Associates is a general, minimally invasive, and bariatric surgery practice comprised of Drs. Huy Nguyen, Nang Nguyen, Thomas Hirai and Christopher Kim. Advanced Surgical Associates pioneered and specialized in single incision laparoscopic surgeries for colon resection, gallbladder removal and sleeve gastrectomy, through a small 2 cm. incision at the umbilicus, providing patients with less pain, shorter recovery time and improved cosmesis. Also, the group is the first in the nation to adopt robotic single site laparoscopic cholecystectomy and have dedicated surgeons to mastering this skill. In addition, surgeons have performed over 1200 SILS (Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery) procedures for gallbladder, colon, and bariatric surgery, placing them among the leaders nationally and internationally. Advanced Surgical Associates is also known as an epicenter of surgical training for SILS and have trained over 500 surgeons.

To learn more about Advanced Surgical Associates, visit http://www.asamed.net or http://www.feelthinnow.com

John Y. Chang, Advanced Surgical Associates, http://www.asamed.net, +1 4086743048, [email protected]

Modal title

Contact PRWeb

  • 11AM ET Sunday – 8PM ET Friday
  • Contact Us

About PRWeb

  • About PRWeb
  • Partners
  • Partnership Programs
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Resources

Why PRWeb

  • Why PRWeb
  • How It Works
  • Who Uses It
  • Pricing

Accounts

  • Create a Free Account
  • Log in
  • Contact Us

Do not sell or share my personal information:

  • Submit via [email protected] 
  • Call Privacy toll-free: 877-297-8921

Contact Cision

Products

About

My Services
  • All News Releases
  • Online Member Center
  • ProfNet
Cision Distribution Helpline
888-776-0942
  • Legal
  • Site Map
  • RSS
  • Cookie Settings
Copyright © 2025 Cision US Inc.